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THE BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS 

OF westeii:n' koeth caeolina. 




Cullasaja Falls, on ilie Sugar Fork River, four miles west of Highlands. 
Good Health, Cheap Lands, Sure Crops, Pleasant Homes. 
Reached by the Atlan a and Charlotte Air-Line RaiMay. 



By S. T. KELSEY &* C. p HUTCIHH^K, 

' Highlands, Macoi. County, IT. 0. • 



.■(^uK^- 



fage-. 

A l)escription ..*. ■.. ^..v... S 

An Explanation-. « 3 

The Higlilaiide. 4f 

The Surface. ...v.v.. 4 

Soil.....v w— ■■' •— '. 4 

Water -. 4 

Climate ......^ 4 

Timber •• .......v. 5 

Minerals...... 5 

Insects....... • 6 

Farm Crops...... 6 

Fruit ©rowing ^-.v. - P 

Thermal Belt, or No Frost Bel-t............. 7 

Grass • .— •••• 8 

Stock Raising... ...^. 8 

Sheep. ...w ....•■. 9 

Dairying - ~ —• • ^ 

Honey Bees...... '. 9 

Markets and Prices ..........^.......^.*..* 9* 

Building Material.... ....-.•. ^.... 10 

Labor 10 

Price of Land....... lO* 

Clearings W> 

Fencing. • H 

Wagon Roads 11 

Railroads 11 

Scenery ....^.^ 11 

Hunting, and Fishing ^« 1^ 

Town of Highlands 12 

School IS 

Water Power. 13 

Cost of Living 14 

Health 14 

Statements from Dr. G. W. Kibbee ■....• 14 

Dr. H. P. Gatchell 15 

Prof. Guyot 19 

Prof . Richard Owen.. 19 

The Press.. 20 

Why not Settled Before 2-Z 

Macon County....... 23 

Is it Safe to Come South? ..., 23 

WTio Should Come, 23 

What to Bring 23 

Hov to Come - ..,., 23 



James P. Harrison & Co,, 
Publishers and Binders, Atlanta, Georgia. 



4tj)vQ3 



BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS. 



A DESCRIPTION. 



If the reader will take a map of the United States, he will trace out 
the Great Appalachian Mountain Range, extending all along the Atlan- 
tic coast States, from New England to Alabama, and varying greatly 
m height and breadth. This chain of hills and mountains bears various 
names in different States, and is, in places — as in Virginia and North 
Carolina — divided into distinct chains, or ranges. That portion of the 
latter State including the Blue Ridge, and westward, is called Western 
North Carolina, and its surface consists entirely of great ranges, or 
chains of mountains, of the Appalachian system, running northeast 
and southwest, with many spurs, or lateral ranges. About fifty to 
sevent3'-five miles westward of the Blue Ridge, and on the dividing 
line between Tennessee and North Carolina, is the Liuka, or Smoky^ 
range of high mountains. The country between these two distinct 
mountain ranges, is composed of the spurs, or lateral ranges, above 
named, with intervening valleys. The outer ranges, Smoky and Blue, 
are quite regular, and rise boldly 1,500 to 8,000 feet above the foot-hills; 
while the spurs, or laterals, project towards the opposite main chains, 
interlocking, and forming many pleasant and broad valleys, through 
which wind rivers of considerable size, at an altitude of 3,000 to 2,500 
feet above the ocean. There are many high peaks rising from both the 
main and lateral ranges; and among thes'e may be found twenty-five 
or thirty mountains, in western North Carolina, higher than Mount 
Washington, in New Hampshire. The area of this entire mountain 
country is about 7,000 square miles— equal in extent to the State of 
Vermont. 

AN EXPLANATION. 

Prior to deciding on a location, this region, as well as Virginia, Ten- 
nessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado, were carefully exam- 
ined and studied by us. Having been reared among the mountains of 
Vermont and New York, we were aware of their sturdy benefits ; but 
we also desired to be as near as possible to Atlantic tide-water. A 
healthful and vigorous, but pleasant climate, was also deemed essen- 
tial. But twenty-five years of residence and exploration in the best 
Western States had taught us the value of good, level soil, as well as 
instructed us, by severe lessons, as to the benefits to be derived from 
regularity of fruitful seasons. Strictly level lands are not to be found 
in this region, excepting in narrow tracts, along river bottoms. The 
slopes of all the mountains are fertile to a remarkable degree, and 
unexcelled for pastures ; but, unfortunately, are so steep as to furnish 
only small areas desirable for cultivation, and unsuited for (he location 
of such a number of contiguous settlers as is essential to the formation 
of desirable society, with manufactures, etc. 

After a careful investigation of the elevated table-lands and plateau 
formations of southern mountains, including the {^'umberland table- 
lands of Tennessee, we located on Blue Ridge High-lands, and the partic- 
ular reasons for this choice, will be made apparent in this circular. It may 
not be out of place to add, that it is about ten years since wc com- 
menced a special study of the United States, having in view a settle- 



4 BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

ment of this cliaracter, being aided therein by our experience in agri- 
cultural and horticultural pursuits, and in the location and develop- 
ment of new western towns and settlements. 

THE HIGH-LANDS. 

As the Blue Ridge approaches its southwestern terminus, it rises 
with Its outlying spurs to the greatest average height near the point of 
intersection of the State lines of North Carolina, South Carolina and 
Georgia, and to the northward of this point, spreads out into an undu- 
lating area, embracing about 200,000 acres of land, at an average alti- 
tude of about 4,000 feet above the ocean. The south slope of the Blue 
Ridge falls rapidly away to about 1,000 feet below Highlands, and then 
more gradually sinks to the level of the low cotton lands of the South; 
which are withm forty or fifi%^ miles of High-lands. Cotton indeed is 
grown successfully within twenty-tive miles of High-lands village. This 
elevated area has been known for years as "The Highlands," 
and the village of Highlands, is located in the southern part of JVIacon 
county, at the above altitude, about one mile north of the summit of 
the Blue Ridge, and about eight miles northwest of the point of inter- 
section of State lines. 

THE SUEFACE. 

This region has an uneven surface. In places from 100 to 600 acres 
can be found in a body as nearly level as is desirable for cultivation. 
One third or more of the entire area of 200,000 acres lies well for culti- 
"vation. and will make beautiful farms. Probably half the balance 
mii».ht be cultivated, if necessary, but it ought to be used for orchard or 
pasiure lands, to which it is well adapted. The remainder is rough, 
including occasional cliffs of bare rocks, but most of it will furnish 
valuable timber, and make a good sheep range. The general surface 
is remarkably free from stone to interfere with cultivation. The High- 
lands includes mountains which boldly rise 500 to 1,000 feet above the 
general level, but they are not of great extent, and offer a most agreea- 
ble diversity of view, 

THE SOIL 

is formed by the disintegration of a granite formation, chiefly quartz, 
feldspar and mica, mixed with more or less vegetable matter. It varies 
from a sandy to a clayey loam, and rests on a subsoil of clay mixed with 
sand from one to three or four feet thick Beneath this are found, sand 
gravel, rock and clay. The soil is mellow, and works unusually well, 
even comparing it with western prairies. While less fertile than the 
prairies, or good river bottoms, it is fully as fertile as the average native 
soils of the Middle and Eastern States, and is much more free from 
stone, being remarkable in this respect for a mountain country. There 
is an abundance of valuable muck, although little or no use has yet 
been made of it. 

THE WATER 

of this country is confessed, by all who drink it, to be the, best found 
in any farming region, and is possibly equalled elsewhere only by 
mountain springs, which rise far above the abodes of men Flowing 
in unnumbered springs, at this great altitude, from mountain, hillside 
and glen, alike entirely free from any impurities from mineral or 
vegetable matter, it is as soft as rainwater, and absolutely pure. Its 
temperature is very low, varying from 48 to 54 degrees. 

THE CLIMATE, 

with reference to agriculture, is all that can be desired. While not so 
damp as to be injurious to the most sensitive system, it is sufficiently 



WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 5 

moist to carry on vegetable growth with remarkable regularity, even in 
the occasional absence of showers. A drought, to materially lujuie sea- 
sonably planted crops, has never been known, while the character of the 
soil and subsoil prevents damage to growing crops from excessive rains. 
Rains are, probably, nowhere more evenly distributed througliout 
the seasons, and violent storms of wind are unknown, while sleet storms 
occur very rarely. Lawns and pastures keep their rich, green color 
during the dry est seasons — an invaluable consideration for orna- 
mentation or profitable grazing. Not only is the climate favorable to 
vegetable growth, but it is equally favorable to the health and vigor of 
man and beast, the extremes of heat and cold are avoided, owing to our 
altitude and latitude. And the farmer, grazier, fruit grower, dairyman 
and housekeeper, alike find themselves enabled to accomplish more 
here than elsewhere, in the Northern, Southern or Westeni States. We 
have few days in winter so cold that out-door labor is unpleasant. 
The mercury rarely falls lower than five degrees above zero, and the 
ground is never frozen more than a few days at a time We rarely 
have snow over four to six inches in depth, and it seldom remains more 
than a week. We have so little snow that sleds are almost unknown, and 
the farmer can work in the ground the greater part of the wmter. The 
relief from severe winds affords great satisfaction to former residents 
of Western prairies. In summer, even delicate people accustom them- 
selves to labors in the field, as a constant breeze cools the brow, with 
the mercur}'- rarely above 80 degrees at noon, while frequent clouds, 
passing over the face of the sun, afford a grateful contrast with the un- 
ceasing glare of much lauded cloudless skies. 

It is conceded that the character of climate and water, as well as 
grass, exercise much infiuence upon growing and working animals, and 
it is not less true that the flavor of milk, butter, cheese, beef, mutton, 
pork, etc., is sensibly benefited where all these conditions are favorable. 
Hence, all stock is very healtJiy here, and all our dairy and meat pro- 
ductions are noted for their excellence, and command high prices in 
the Southern markets, which lie at our door. 

TIMBER 

of the most valuable kinds for building, manufacturing, fencing and 
fuel is plentiful. The trees are usually of moderate size, but large 
enough for good sawing timber. They are mostly of good straight 
growth, and the grain is straight, free, and easil}'- w^orked. In some 
localities — protected from the annual fires, which are put out to burn 
off the undergrowth for the benefit of the stock range — tlie trees grow 
to an immense size. The following varieties of trees are found upon 
the highlands : those placed first in the list are most abundant: Oak 
— several varieties — chestnut, hickory, tulip tree or poplar, white pine, 
sassafras, black gum, black locust, hemlock — spruce pine of the south — 
red maple, service tree, magnolia, table mountain pine, yellow pine, 
fliowering dogwood, black cheny, bird cherry, black birch, yellow 
birch, mountain ash, crabtree, willow, silver bell, persimmon, holley, 
beech, linn or basswood, red cedar, white ash, buckeye. The most 
common 

SHRUBS 

are rhododendrons, kalmias, azaleas, clethra, huckleberry, haw, alder, 
sumac, witch hazel, calycanthus, flowering locust. 

MINERALS. 

All the counties in this part of the State contain valuable minerals, 
such as gold, silver, copper, iron, mica, marble, corundum, asbestos, 
porcelain clay, soap stone, etc. Some of these mineral arc being prof- 



6 BLUE ETDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

itably worked, and our mines will doubtless become a great source of 
wealth to the country, but it requires capital to work them success- 
fully, and we believe that persons of moderate means will do better to 
turn their attention to other industries, requiring less capital, and 
bringing surer returns, 

INSECTS 

are scarce. Mosquitoes — that great pest of wooded countries generally, 
and low countries everj^where — are not found on these Highlands. 
There are few flies to harm man or beast. No grasshoppers to injure 
the crops. No chinch bugs, potato bugs, canker worms, or other insects to 
materially injure crOps. 

FARM CROPS, 

Our soil and climate are suited to the growth of all northern produc- 
tions. Corn, of the northern or small varieties, produces fair crops. It 
is planted about the first of May, and, as we rarely have fall frost till 
about the first of October, it has ample time to mature. Wheat has 
not been much grown, for want of mills to grind it, but, so far as tried, 
it produces fair crops of excellent quality. Buckwheat is grown 
largely, and if well put in. it always produces good crops of the best 
quality. Rye is one of the main crops, and is grown by nearly all 
farmers for bread and feed; it is also grown for winter pasture. Oats, 
millet, beans, peas, etc., all do well. 

All kinds of northern vegetables, such as Irish potatoes, cabbages, 
turnips, beets, carrots, parsnips, etc., grow in perfection. The quality 
being equal to any we have found elsewhere in the United States. 
Sweet potatoes, and other vegetables requiring a higher temperature, 
grow in perfection on the slopes a few hundred feet lower than the 
Highlands. 

FRUIT GROWING. 

The climate of the Highlands, and adjacent slopes of the Blue Ridge, 
is unsurpassed in the United States for successful fruit growing. Ap- 
p)les grown here are superior in beauty, weight, firm, fine texture, high 
flavor, and long-keeping qualities. 

These points of excellence in apples grown on the Blue Ridge have 
been recognized by some of our best pomologists for many j^ears, 
" Mountain apples" have already become famous, and are much 
sought after in the low country of the South, though little effort or care 
has generally been given to selection, planting, or after-care of the 
trees. The fruit is shaken from the tree, thrown, unassorted, into 
wagon-boxes, hauled twenty to one hundred miles over rough roads, 
and put in competition wiih the best fruit produced by skilful grow- 
ers, carefull}^ selected, nicely and securely packed, and shipped by rail 
from the North. The peculiar excellence and long-keeping qualities 
of our apples are due to our long, cool summers, and even tempera- 
ture, which give ample time to mature them thoroughly, while we 
have no hot days which tend to ripen the fruit prematurely, make it 
light, soft, of inferior flavor, and liable to decay. 

Late summer apples become fall apples here, while those usually 
classed as fall apples keep into, and some through the winter, and 
good winter apples, with ordinary care are in perfection for market or 
use during the latter part of winter and spring» 

The winters are so mild that the trees are not injured by severe freez- 
ing, and remain healthy and thrifty to a good old age. In the coves 
ami valleys, five to ten miles from our village, where settlements are 
older, there are apple trees over fifty years old, six to eight feet in cir- 
cumference, bearing annual crops of fine, fair fruit. The younger trees 



•WESTERTq" NORTH CAROI.TNA.. 7 

in the Higli-lancls are equally keiiJ thy, and have aever failed to produce 
a crop since they were old enough to bear. 

The past summer we picked mature red June apples from our trees, 
aiear HighJ ands village, from the gOth July, to 10th of September, We 
sent a basket ©f these apples to the edit©r of .the American Agrk/ulturist, 
who gave them the following notice -.: 

•" APPLES Ti'P.Om KORTH CARGLINA. 

S. T. Kelsey, HigMaaads, Macon eounty, ^. C, sent wg a 'basket of 
■'Carolina Red June' apples, picked from his orehard, August 29th, at 
which date they had been highly colored fcr four weeks. These spe- 
'Cimens were of the darkest, most intense red, being of muck finer fla- 
-vor than we have ever ksiown in those raised at the North, gave us an 
idea of what this excellent early apple can be, when grown in perfec- 
(tion among the mountains of Noilxh Carolina." AmeriGoai AgricuUiir- 
dst for October, 1878. Page 394. 

PEACiHES, 

We had supposed eur shammers were toe cool to ripen peaches in 
perfection, b«t later experience and observation convinces us, that 
while they areTnaeh later in ripening, and perhaps not so iarge as in 
the low country, farther souith, they are fine flavored, preduee heavy 
-crops, and -are rnot liable to premature decay. 

GRAPES, 

•of fair quality, ai^growoi uporn theitop and north slope of tlae Blue Ridge, 
but it Is only npfm the southern slope that they grow in perf e^tian. A 
vineyard three miles from onr village, on tJie south slope of the Ridge, 
ihas been 151 bearing for ten years, with little care, and has produced 
■a fine crop of ezeelient fruit every year. We visited this vineyard on 
the 10th of September, a^d found tke f olkwiag varietiee : Hartford Pro- 
lific, CoDCord, "Diana, Delaware, Isabella, Catawba, Martha, Union 
Tillage, and three or foTarof Bogerg' Hybrid*, all w^ell ripened and of 
^excellent qnaMj. 

PEARS 

have not yet been tested on the Highlands, but we believe they can be 
;grov/n successfully. Plums, cherries, currants, etc., of the common 
varieties are generally grown, and 4.0 welJ. 

Wild fruits grov;^ here in great abundance, such as grapes, of many 
•varieties, (some fully tw ice the size of the Concord, ) and of good qual- 
ity, strawberries, blackberries, huckleberries, chestnuts, chmquepiua, 
hickory nuts, etc. 

THERMAL BELT, ©R N©-FE,OST BELT. 

There is, along the slopes of the Blue Ridge, a belt from one hundred 
to three hundred feet above the valleys, where spring and fall frosts do 
mot occur. This phenomenon was first published by Mr. Silas 
McDowell, of Macon county, N.C., who says, (neee Agrjeultutul Report 
'Of the Patent Office for 1861, page 14g,) that after frosty nights in the 
valleys, '^The beautiful phenomenon of the verdant zone, or thermal 
'belt, exhibits itself upon our mountain-sides, * * * Yegetation of 
rail kinds within the limits of this zone is untouched by frost, and 
•such is its protective influence, that the Isabella, the most tender of all 
•our native grapes, has not failed to produce abundant crops in twenty- 
six consecutive years. Nor has fruit of any kind ever been known 
within these limits to be frost-killed." Later observations have fully 
■confirmed Mr. McDowell's observations; and it is now well under- 
,stood that peaches, grapes, and other tender .fruits, planted on the 



O- BLUE KIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

slopes wi'tMn the "thermal belt," rarely, if ever, fail to produce their- 
annual crops of fine, healthy, highly fevored, weH ripened fruits^ 
without damage^ from mildew or rot. 

■ In view of these facts, thelate Mcholas Lon^worth', of Cincinnati; 
said: "Were I young again, o«i the slopes- of the Blue' Ridge I would! 
plant the vine and make my fortune." 

There are large q-uaritities of chea^p laads within the rK>-frost belt,, 
in the vicinity of Highhmds, and all along the Blue Ridge, that can be- 
utilized for fruit raising, and will m^ke this one of the most desirable- 
fruit growing sections in the worid. 

GEASa 

A large amount of wild feed i&produced in- the- wood^, consisting of nu*- 
tritious grasses and? other herbage, shrubs, etc. , which, thus far, have beeci 
relied upon entirely for su'mmerfeed; but settlers should depend chiefly 
upon tame grass, and have their stock always under controL (See. 
Clearing and Fencing). Tlxe most common tame grasses of this 
country are red, top, known as herds grass, (agrasto vulgark), and white^ 
clover. As soon as the ground is cleared, these appear. If orchard, 
or other suitable grass, is allowed to grow uncropped during- summer- 
and fall, a second crop springs up iathe fall, which- keeps green and; 
growing all winter, and, with the occasionul helps of roat crops, ins 
which this country excels, stock may be wintered very easily and 
cheaply. Experiments in this direction, in the mountain region, have- 
been en.tirel'}" suc(zessfuL Very few, however^ have followed, up at 
practice which is such a decided innovation. 

Mr. E. C. Chastain,, an- iiateUigent farmer, who. has been growing 
orchard guass ob a mountaint farm, ai fevA laaiies- out fro^a Highlands,, 
makes th.e following statem-ent :. 

'* My first seeding of orchard grass is sevenr years old. I have usedi 
it for fall,, winter and spring grazing. It was sowed on land that had 
been, culrivated si;x coD-secutive years in cora.. This lot, of twelve 
acres, was sowed in April, and the following winter I grazed fourteen! 
head of yearling cattle on it, with- the exception of two feeds, and. 
they came out in- good, con-dition. The next winter, I wintered the 
same cattle on, the same lot with only two feeds, and' they came out in, 
better condition than cattle kept on dry feed. I am satisfied that,, with, 
dry feed, to. go, thi'ougli the snow, (when we have any),, that one acre 
to the head- will carry good cattle tlirough the winter.. The above was. 
on high,, rolling, land. I also have four a,cres of flat laad^ five years, 
set, that has undergone a thorough test, both winter and summer, and 
I realize more from it thaafrom any kind of cropping on similar land. 
I know of men who have gone into- the woods, cleared out the under- 
growth, girdled the large tre^s, sowed the laud in orchard and' timothy 
grass, and thoroughly set ihie same, and, on such pasture, have fat 
muttoa and beef all winter. One-man raised a fin&mare on such pas- 
ture-,, till she was. six years old, withoat a»y grain or dry feed. We 
sow, ia March or April, about one bushel per aicre. It is not best to. 
turn, stock on until the second ^all after seeding, to give- it time for the- 
roots to get well set. I think it preferable to leave- scattering trees, 
over the land, more especially oa the southern slopes.."" 

E. C Ghastain. 

Note. — Oar experience- and ©bservatioa leads us to believe that grow- 
ing trees are deiriimental to the growth of grass, both in quaatity and 
quality, though we would leave some for shade for stock,— ^tfe. 

STOCK KAISING- 

WitJi proper care and atteatioa ia providiag paetijxes,, tile advaa- 



WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 9 

tages of this couutr}^ for stock raising are unexcelled. Heretofore, 
little has been done to provide tame grass pastures or meadows. Cattle 
have been allowed to run in the woods, where they fatten during the 
summer and fall, making excellent beef. Young cattle, horses and 
mules often get their living in the woods all winter, but the practice of 
rearing stock in the woods could not be followed extensively, as the 
best of the woods grazing is killed by frost in fall, and does not start 
sufficiently to give full feed till about the tenth of May. Still, consid- 
erable quantities have been thus raised at a good profit, with no other 
dependence except a little corn fodder, straw, etc,, for cold spells. 
When tame grass pastures and meadows are provided, which can be so 
easily done, our cool summers and mild winters will allow stock to 
graze almost the entire year, and active, hardy horses and mules, and 
beef of the finest quality, can be produced as cheaply as anywhere, 
with the advantage of a good market close at hand. 

SHEEP. 

The climate, water, and feed, seem wonderfully adapted to sheep, 
which grow rapidly, are remarkably prolific, attain large size, produce 
heavy fleeces of best quality, are always healthy, and the small flocks 
kept here have usually found their own living, summer and winter. 
We advise tame grasses for winter, and a small supply of dry feed and 
roots (which are so easily grown) for use when snow is on the ground, 
say, for two to four weeks during the winter. Even when running at 
large in small flocks, sometimes out of their owner's sight or care for 
weeks, it is unusual that any losses occur from wild animals or dogs. 
Nearly all the dog owners are sheep owners, and hence sheep-killing 
dogs are at once outlawed and shot. As assistants in the work of 
clearing land and destroying wild growth, sheep are invaluable, and the 
sheep business is certain to be largely remunerative, as there is a ready 
market for our mountain mutton in all the South, and good wool is al- 
ways in demand. 

DAIRYING. 

Our cheap and excellent graziugs, cool summers, mild winters, and 
bountiful supply of pure cold, soft spring water, offer unsurpassed, if 
not unequalled, facilities for butter and cheese making. Right at our 
door is a country which can never supply itself with good butter ; and 
a good article, properly made and carefully put up in such small pack- 
ages as can be delivered to consumers, will always meet with a ready, 
profitable sale in the South. 

HONEY BEES. 

Every bee keeper must recognize that we have described a country 
well adapted to bees, whether kept only for a domestic supply of 
honey, or largely for export . The honey produced is of the very best 
quality, excellent color, and even where kept in rough boxes or hollow 
tree trunks, and with little or no attention, except to " rob the hive" 
two or three times a year, bees succeed admirably. Bee keepers will 
recognize in the list of trees and shrubs many which furnish honey, 
and white clover is so abundant, wherever the timber is cleared away, 
that bees may always be kept with profit. 

MARKETS AND PRICKS. 

The chief agricultural products of this region can only be produced 
successfully in a limited portion of the South. The deficiency there 
being supplied by importations from the North. This insures a per- 
manent market for our surplus, with the advantage of railroad freights 
in our favor. For instance, a large amount of the apples, Irish pota- 



10 BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

toes, cabba«j;e, butter, cheese, beef, mutton, bacon and lard consuined 
in the South are brought from the North and West, while nearly all 
can be produced, as cheaply and of as good quality here. We are al- 
most surrounded by the gre^t planting regions of the South — only 
three hundred miles from the sea coast, and within easy reach of the 
large cities and populous districts of the Southern States, and can fur- 
nish, our produce to the consumers, for cash, or in exchange for their 
cotton, rice, sugar, and other Southern productions which we need. 

For the past three years the market price of produce at Highlands 
has ranged as follows: Corn, 50 cents to $1.00 per bushel; wheat, 90 
cents to $1.35; oats, 50 cents to $1.00; buckwheat, 70 cents to $1.00; 
rye, 60 cents to $1.00; Irish potatoes, 50 cents to $1.00; onions, 70 cents 
to $1,50; beans, $1.00 to $1.50; apples, 25 cents to $1.50; peaches, 25 
cents to $1.00; butter, 10 to 25 cents per pound; cheese, 123^ to 20 
cents; honey 8 to 15 cents; chickens, 10 to 25 cents each; eggs, 8 to 15 
cents per dozen ; beef, by the quarter, 3^ to 5 cents per pound ; mut- 
ton, 4 to 6 cents; common sheep, $1.25 to $2.50 each; cows, $15 to $30; 
work oxen $40 to $75 per yoke; good farm horses and mules, $70 to 
$100 each. 

BUILDING MATERIAL. 

White pine, poplar, hemlock, chestnut and oak lumber is sold for 
$10 per one thousand feet. Good stone for foundations, cellars, fire- 
places, etc., can be easily obtained. Lime can be brought here and 
sold at 30c to 40c per bushel. Sand for mortar can be found conveni- 
ently. A brick kiln has been burned ; another is needed. The great- 
est abundance of hard woods, for elegant inside finish, furniture, 
wagons, tools, etc. , can be had at very low prices. 

LABOR. 

Wages for common farm hands and common labor are 50c per day, 
and board, or 75c without board. Carpenters, and other mechanics, 
$1.50. Contracts can be readily let for chopping, splitting rails, 
clearing, or any odd jobs of common work; but skilled farm hands 
and house servants are scarce. We have no colored people here. 

PRICE OF LAND. 

The price of good, unimproved farm land is from $1.50 to $3.00 per 
acre ; some few choice pieces, well located, are held higher, and some 
fair pieces can be bought for $1.00 per acre. Rougher lands, suitable 
for pasture, orchard and wood lots, can be bought for 50 cents to $1.00 
per acre. The land is mostly owned by individuals, in tracts of fifty to 
one or two thousand acres, but most of it is for sale at the above named 
prices, except the portion already owned by settlers, and some of 
that will be sold with improvements, at additional price sufficient to 
pay cost of improvements. The titles have been mostly obtained from 
the State, and are perfect. Some improved farms, two to six miles 
from the village, with one-fourth to one-third cleared and fenced, 
cheap buildings, and considerable fruit, can be bought for $3.00 to 
$6.00 per acre. There are many good, cheap farms to be had a little 
farther out 

CLEARING. 

Except the improvements above named, the land is in original forest. 
To clear all the timber off the land would cost from $6.00 to $12.00 
per acre; but the undergrowth can be cleared off, and the large trees 
"deadened," for $1.50 to $3.00 per acre. The undergrowth can be 
grubbed, the large trees "deadened," and the ground prepared for the 
plow, for $3.00 to $6 00 per acre. With the small growth thus cleared 
out, and the large trees deadened, one, two, or three annual crops may 



WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 11 

be grown, and the ground can then be seeded in grass, and used for 
meadow and pasture until the roots are well rotted out, when it will 
cost but little to clear off the balance of the timber. 

FENCING 

The price for splitting rails is 50c per one hundred, for hauling and 
laying 50c, or $1.00 per hundred for rails laid up in fence. It takes 
about twenty rails to the rod for a good worm, or crooked-rail, fence; 
making a total cost of 30c per rod. A good four-board fence can be 
built, with oak or chestnut posts, and pine or chestnut boards, for 50c 
to 60c per rod. 

WAGON ROADS 

This country has been so sparsely settled that, heretofore, little has 
been accomplished towards making ^roo^ roads; but within the last two 
years a large amount of work has been done upon them. Over one 
thousand days have been expended upon the road from Walhalla to 
Highlands, making it a fair wagon road. And the intention is to con- 
tinue the work until we have first-class roads. We now have passable 
roads to Franklin, and various points about Highlands; and good roads 
can easily be made, where needed, to accommodate settlers, tourists, 
and business. Carriage roads of easy grade can be made, at little ex- 
pense, to the summit of all the mountain peaks, to the water-falls, and 
other points of interest. There are no bad swamps; bat Utile mud. 
and by care good roads, when built, can be easily maintained. 

KAILKOADS. 

Our nearest railroad point is Walhalla, S. C, the present terminus 
of the Blue Ridge Railroad, 30 miles south of the Higlands. The Blue 
Ridge railroad is to be completed, via Rabun Gap, and Franklin to 
Knoxville, Tenn., there to connect with the Cincinnati Southern and 
V. R. R. We shall then be but ten to fifteen miles from a railroM 
station, with good connections, both North and South. 

Eight miles beyond Walhalla, we reach the great Piedmont Air Line 
Railroad, which is the best constructed, equipped, and operated road 
in the South. It forms part of a great through system from New York 
to New Orleans, via Washington, Richmond, Charlotte, and Atlanta, 
making fast time and sure connections, and running Pullman Sleepers, 
and first-class cars with air breaks and all modern improvements. 

SCENERY. 

The scenery of this country offers attractions rarely surpassed, even 
in regions noted solely as resorts for the lovers of nature, but nowhere 
else, within sight and easy access of desirable farming and fruit lands, 
can be found such an endless variety of views, embracing lofty moun- 
tain, abrupt cliff, swelling hill, and cozy dell. We can visit mountain 
peaks nearly as high as Mt. Washington, stand under a cliff' which 
rears its front 1,800 feet into mid air, hang over water-falls which 
plunge their entire yolume hundreds of feet into the l)oiling abyss, or 
linger with delight around falls and cascades which, for variety and 
beauty are nowhere surpassed, and then, tired, but refreshed, we re- 
turn to our homes, not being absent even one night. There are dis- 
tinct views of singular sublimity, but it must not be supposed that the 
general effect equals in boldness or grandeur the Rocky or the Sierra 
Nevada mountains. The views are softened by the primitive forest, 
broken here and there by fertile clearings, but from each distinct moun- 
tain peak, one gets a widely differing view of a vast extent of country 
from the Smoky or Unka^mountains, 60 miles northward, rearing their 



12 BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

crests 6,000 feet high, to the far off southern low lands in South Caro- 
lina and Georgia. 

During the spring and summer, the Rhododendrons, Kalmias, Aza- 
leas, Dogwoods, Clethra, Silver Bell, and hundreds of other varieties of 
flowering trees, shrubs, plants, and vines of great beauty and fragrance, 
are an attractive feature of the landscape. 

"Along peaceful streams, in damp, rugged ravines, and sornetimes 
on the very tops of mountains. Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, and 
other evergreens constitute a second forest growth under the larger 
trees, forming with their tertwined stems almost impenetrable thickets. 
During their flowering period they lend to the forest an indiscribable 
charm." 

The long Indian summer and lingering autumn slowly mature the 
leaves, and the forests blaze with the richest tints. The prolonged 
effect of this gorgeous coloring far exceeds anything to be seen in the 
highest glory of northern forests, owing to the greater variety of trees 
and more extended autumn. 

HUNTING AND FISHING. 

With headquarters at our village, hunters and fishermen can find 
rare sport within easy distance, or may make short excursions to fa- 
vorite resorts for sportsmen. Rabbits, squirrels, ruffled grouse, or 
partridge, and quail, or "Bob White"— called here partridge— are 
abundant all around us, and wild turkeys are frequently found, and 
deer occasionally. Speckled trout abound in all our streams. The 
exemption from flies and musquitoes is a luxury rarely granted to 
hunters or trout anglers. 

THE TOWN OF HIGHLANDS. 

Those of us who have located here, came to recruit failing health, 
and to make for ourselves pleasant homes ; but there must be a centre 
for business, for social and religious privileges, and for this purpose 
the town of Highlands has been laid out. The nearest towns are 
Franklin, twenty miles northwest, the county seat of Macon county, 
!N . C. ; Webster, twenty-five miles north, the county seat of Jackson 
county, N. C. ; Clayton, twenty-five miles southwest, county seat of 
Rabun county, Ga., and Walhalla, thirty miles south, county seat of 
Oconee county, S. C Highlands is, therefore, the natural business 
centre for a large section of country. The village occupies a beauti- 
ful undulating plat, just at the foot of Stooly Mt. It is abundantly 
watered, and a large number of choice building sites awaiting improve- 
ment. The streets are planned with reference to the surface, so that 
miles of pleasant drives will be secured, sometimes straight and some- 
times winding, but as nearly level as desirable. Roads will be extended 
in various directions, climbing hills and peaks, following sight 
ridges, winding the base or summit of cliffs — here dropping into se- 
cluded glens, there meandering pleasant streams or exploring cas- 
cades or waterfalls; the traveler finally returning whence he came 
without retracing any steps. 

From the center of the town site, it is about one and one-half miles 
south of the top of the Stooly mountain, which commands one of the 
grandest views found on the Blue Ridge. It is two and one -half miles 
southeast to Fodderstack mountain; two miles east of Black Rock 
mountain ; four and one-hallf miles northeast to Whiteside mountain ; 
four miles north to Short Off mountain ; six miles north to Yellow 
mountain; four miles southeast to Horse Cove; twelve miles east to 
Cashiers Valley ; two miles northeast to Highland Falls ; four miles 
northwest to Cullasaja Falls, and eight miles northwest to the Sugar- 



WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 13 

town Falls; all on the Sugarfork River; fifteen miles northeast to the 
Tuckasagee Falls. 

The town was laid out a little over a year ago. Its growth has been 
retarded by the lack of mills to saw lumber, which want is being sup- 
plied, but we now have two country stores, two hotels, and boardino- 
houses, a good school, and church house, saw mill, plaining mill, door 
and sash works, wagon shop, blacksmith shop, and about twenty fami 
lies in town. There is also a saw and grist mill, one mile west of town, 
and one, two and one-half miles north of town. 

We need all machinery, and mechanics required in such ■& country 
anywhere. We have a great variety of excellent lumber, wool, hides, 
grain to be ground, etc. We can easily become a self-sustaining com- 
munity by manufacturing these and many other articles at home. We 
especially need furniture shops, carding and spinning machines, 
looms, tanneries, shoe and harness makers, tinners, etc. 

HOTELS. 

But our great need is ample hotel accommodations. Our present 
hotel and boarding houses are more than sufficient to care for all the 
travel that usually visits a place of this size ; but we need more exten- 
sive hotel accommodations for health and pleasure seekers, both sum- 
mer and Avinter. The careful reader is certain to be impressed with 
the fMt, that here is the best unoccupied summer resort in all the 
country. All that is needed are large hotels, and there would not be any 
trouble in filling them. The supplies produced right here, of bread- 
stuffs, beef, mutton, pork, game, trout, vegetables and fruits, are such 
that no other resort can surpass it, as relates to the quality and cheap- 
ness of food. Then, the milk and butter of these mountains are no- 
where surpassed, and rarely equalled, in quality. 

All this, added to our glorious air, water and scenery, simply make 
up a total which insures a fortune to hotel keepers who can appreciate 
the situation. Capitalists would find it profitable to build hotels 
boarding houses and cheap cottages, to rent, and can aid others in 
building, at a profit to themselves. 

SCHOOL, ETC. 

We are building up a first class school. Every advantage is of- 
fered for success, and a large school is among the certainties of the 
near future. The health is here perfect, and, at all seasons of the year 
students may be pushed with much less risk than in less healthful cli- 
mates. Good digestion and steady nerves insure a clear head, and 
ability to learn. A literary society, and religious institutions, are firmly 
established, and this community is quietly, but surely, laying the 
foundation for social and religious advantages found in the best neigh- 
borhoods. North or South. Our settlers—old and new— are of the 
better classes from the North, South, East and West, who have located, 
and are locating, for homes and health, and are interested in building 
up social, educational and religious institutions. 

WATER POWER. 

There is a great abundance of water power in this region, and in 
every direction from the village. A small stream, Mill creek, has, on 
the town site, three falls of about thirty feet each, one of which is 
occupied; the others aro unimproved. One mile west of the village, 
two larger powers, on Sugar-fork, are partly improved; and one mile 
north of the village is another available power, on the same stream. 
There are many cheap tracts of lands within five miles of Highlands, 
now for sale, which have constant water powers. 



14 BLUE KIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 



COST OF LIVING. 

People who wish to be economical, can live well on less money here 
than in any other country we have ever lived in. Good, plain board 
can be had in families at $3.00 to $5.00 per week. 



It is the uniform testimony of all physicians, or other well informed 
persons, who have visited this region, that it is probably the healthiest 
locality in the United States. Many invalids have here sought relief, 
and so far as we can learn, have uniformly been benefited The 
longevity and excellent health of the old residents are truly surprising. 
If the reader will carefully examine our article on ''Climate," and also 
the following testimony of those able physicians, Drs. Kibbee and 
Gatchell, and the celebrated geographer, Guyot, and others, he will 
readily see why this is so. For good sleep, good appetite, and good 
digestion, we unreservedly commend this country; and whoever enjoys 
these blessings, and breathes this life-giving air, and drinks this best 
of water, cannot long remain an invalid. 

The foUovv^ing is from the pen of the late lamented Dr. G. W. Kib- 
bee, the inventor of the fever cot, whose heroic efforts to stay the yel- 
low fever plague at New Orleans are familiar to our readers. He had 
selected Highlands as the place for a home, and removed here with his 
family. This article is among the last he prepared for the press, and 
was handed to us but a few days before his departure for New Orleans. 

Dr. Kibbee had traveled extensively, and resided in several different 
States, including the Pacific slope, and his critical observations are 
worthy of a careful study. Pie was a close student of all natural phe- 
nomenon, and had studied the question of climate with special refer- 
ence to its influence upon disease : 

SATEMENT OF DK. G. W. KIBBEE. 

Owing to its being at the southwestern terminus of the Blue Ridge 
mountains, the town of Highlands, Macon county, N. C, offers natural 
inducements to the health-seeker, that can be found in no other part of the 
United States, southern California not excepted. It is situated on an 
undulating plain, whose general level is about 4,000 feet above the ocean, 
with mountain peaks all around, some of which shoot up 1,000 or 1,200 
feet. The abruptness of the ascent to this extended elevated region, places 
it at once in the upper strata of air, high above the malarial influences of 
the lowlands surrounding it. This is a very important fact in favor of the 
superior health-giving qualities of the atmosphere on these highlands. 
Comparins: it with Coloradi^ we find that the gradual ascent on the plains 
up the Rocky Mountain slope, from east to west, permits the east winds to 
carry the mote-laden air of lower regions into Colorado, to an altitude far 
above the elevation of Highlands. The fact that Highlands is in latitude 
35 <^ north, taken in connection with its being the highest land east of the 
Rocky Mountains, that far south, and its proximity to the Atlantic sea- 
board, gives it an evenness of diurnal temperature not equalled anywhere 
in the United States, unless it be in a few almost inaccessible places of 
southern California, at an altitude altogether too great for consumptives or 
nervous invalids. This striking unifortnity of temperature should be con- 
sidered, in connection with the fact that the pure upper strata of air, when- 
ever it comes from the Atlantic, although it has passed over three hundred 
miles of low country, still bears considerable moisture, that condenses on 
the cool mountain peaks, giving frequent siiowers. These circumstances 
combine to give the Highlands a mild, temperate moisture in the atmos- 
phere, that is peculiarly soothing to the irritated, serous surfaces of the 
lungs of consumptives, and quieting to exciting nervous systems ; giving 



WESTERN NORTH CAKOLINA. 15 

an exemption from colds, hay fever, catarrli, and other annoying ailments. 
The healing, soothing qualities of this atmosphere, are entirelj'- unknown 
to debilitated persons who remain in the ordinary atmosphere of the 
United States, tlie hygrometry of which is so variable. This evenness of 
temperature and moisture extends through the whole year, making the 
climate the best winter resort for consumptives and nervous dyspeptics, 
from either North or South, that can be found on this continent, and prob- 
ably in the whole world, as I know of no spot on earth, containing all the 
advantages of this southern, most elevated point ot the Blue Ridge. 

The Highlands is abundantly supplied with springs of water, some of 
whi' h may be carried all over the village. These springs afford an 
abundance of cold, soft water, equalled in purity only by that which is 
distilled. The benefits to invalids to be derived from the use of such water, 
for drinking and bathing purposes, can scarcely be estimated. There is no 
place of summer resort in the United States, tnat equals this for spending 
the heated term ; and for those afflicted with consumption, in au}-^ of its 
stages, general debility, and dyspepsia, it is the best locality, either summer 
or winter — the winter diurnal variation being proportionally as favorable 
as the summer. G. W. Kibbee, M. D. 



The following letter, from Prof. H. P. Gatchell, M. D., of the Sani- 
tarium of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and well known to the leading medi- 
cal authorities of the United States, as a man thoroughly competent to 
speak upon the subject of climate, and its influence upon health, 
should be carefully read. Prof. Gatchell was formerly Professor in 
the Cincinnati Medical College ; editor of Climatology and Hygiene, in 
the United States Medical and Surgical Journal; and has for some years 
been connected with hygienic institutions in the West and South: 

STATEMENT OF DR. H. P. GATCHELL. 

It is now more than twentj'^ years since I began to study the relations of 
climate to disease, and I have learned that cool air and great altitude are 
indispensable to the highest degree of sanitary influence in consumption. 
Accordingly, when two members of my own family were attacked by pul- 
monary consumption, they were oi'dered to the mountains of Xorth Caro- 
lina. Highlands is situated upon a plateau 4,000 feet above the ocean level. 
There is no other plateau this side the base of the Rocky Mountains, of 
equal altitude and extent : no other capable of sustaining any considerable 
population. The soil, like that of most of the flat ridges and mountain 
tops of North Carolina, in general is very fertile. This high, cool land has 
its own mountain peaks rising above the general surface, and contributing, 
by condensation of clouds that often rest on their summits, to the number- 
less springs, which are sources of innumerable streams of clear, cold, soft 
water, tenanted by myriads of speckled trout. The surface is mostly cov- 
ered by an open forest. 

Comparisons of Temperature. — The summers of this region are delight- 
ful, and its winters are mild, as compared with those of the more northern 
States. The summer mean of Highlands is between 66 and 67 degrees; 
its winter mean between 34 and 35 degrees. The summer is that of Tamas 
City, on Lake Huron, lat. 44 ; and the summer is cooler on Lake Huron than 
on Lake Michigan, in the same latitude. Highlands has also the summer 
mean of the California coast, from San Francisco to the Oregon line, 
for a narrow belt 25 or 30 miles inland. The mean winter temperature 
of Highlands is that of extreme southern Kansas, and the north- 
ern part of the Indian Territory andArkansas ; but those States have 
a summer 11 degrees warmer than Highlands, and have severe winds 
and sudden changes, summer and winter. The winter temperature 
of Highlands is also found on the Pacific, at the Dalles, and along. the 
western base of the Cascade mountains, in Oregon and Washington Terri- 
tory; but the winter rain-fall is greater in the latter region. 



16 5LUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

Colorado Springs, the pleasantest place of residence in Colorado, has a 
summer mean 4 degrees warmer, and a winter mean 4 degrees colder, than 
Highlands, with single extremes of heat and cold greatly exceeding those 
of the latter place. 

Of twenty military posts, all but two report a maximum temperature of 
100 degrees and upwards. Sixteen of them report from 101 to 112 degrees. 
At Fort Belknap, in northern Texas, on the Brazos, at an altitude of 1,600 
feet, a maximum of 111 degrees was reported, in 3i years' observation. 
The temperature does not rise quite so high on the Gulf, but the increased 
humidity renders the climate more debilitating. 

Cumberland Plateau. — The only region this side the base of the Rocky 
Mountains, that might be thought to rival Highlands, is the Cumberland 
table lands of Tennessee. But that has an altitude of only 2,000 feet, and 
its summer mean is five degrees above that of the Highlands of North 
Carolina, and the winter mean about the same. 

Comparisons of Health. — Comparing the health of Highlands, with noted 
health reports in the United States, we begin with California, which has a 
reputation strangely in contrast with the actual records. Its total mortality 
is 25 per cent, greater than the average for the United States. Diseases of the 
nervous system, especially apoplexy, paralysis, and insanity, prevail to an 
extent unknown elsewhere; and malarial disorders occur at an altitude of 
9,000 feet. The eruptive fevers are peculiarly fatal, as is a kind of fever 
among infants. 

The great prevalence of disease of the nervous system is due probably to 
excess of sunshine, reinforced, doubtless by peculiar electrical conditions. 
Under the influence of the extreme dryness of the air the functions of the 
skin are affected, which probably tends to promote intestinal diseases, which 
is more prevalent in the high regions of the Rocky and Pacific mountain 
ranges than elsewhere in the United States. California, also, has for its 
latitude, a large mortality from consumption. 

Colorado, where great numbers of consumptives have resorted, has, thus 
far, proved more beneficial to consumptives than any other resort in the 
United States. But I believe the climate of the Highlands of western North 
Carolina, to be still more favorable. For while it partakes of the inequa- 
bleness which characterizes the whole country this side of the Pacific coast, 
its fluctuations are less frequent, less sudden, and less extreme than those of 
Colorado. It is free also from the high winds, with their clouds of dust and 
sand, that constitute so disagreable a feature of the climate at the base of 
the Rocky Mountains. 

Highlands is distinguished forgiving tone to the digestive apparatus, and 
for the natural concomitant — a vigorous appetite. 

I see no reason to doubt that the prevalence of nasal catarrh, in the ele- 
vated central regions of the Union, as Colorado, and the plains in the States 
immediately east of the Rocky Mountains, is due to the excessive dryness 
of the atmosphere and the dust. 

The high winds bearing alkaline dust and fine silicous particles, must 
sooner or later produce a consumption of the lungs, similar to that which 
affects grind-stone makers. 

It is unnecessary to discuss the influence of the long, severe winters of 
Minnesota and other States in a high latitude, since physicians have at last 
discovered the mistake they made in sending consumptives thither to die. 
I turn, therefore, from the high, inclined plane of Colorado, with its very 
variable and extreme climate, and from the coast-belt of California, with its 
singularly equable atmosphere, to the low lands of the Gulf States. 

While the intense cold of far northern winters, (aggravated in the north- 
east by the prevalent dampness,) tends to exhaust the heat-producing capa- 
city of the consumptive, the hot, humid summers of the lowlands of the 
South tend to hasten death by their debilitating influence, and by the in- 
flammations and fevers which they cause. While, as a general rule, mor- 
tality from consumption increases from south to north, that from inflam- 
mations and levers increases from north to south, with its maximum in 



WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 



17 



Louisiana, especially in the counties on each side of the Mississippi river. 
As to deaths from consumption, Texas ranks about with Georgia and 
Florida, but the number of deaths from malarial diseases in Texas far ex- 
ceed that of any other State excepting Florida. The sudden and extreme 
depression of temperature in winter, (Texas northers— Eds.) is very trying 
to any constitution, especially to one which has been enervated by a Texas 
summer, and, no doubt, contributes to the large ratio of pneumonia in 
Texas, 




Sugar Town Falls, on the Sugar Fork River, eight miles northwest 
of Highland, Macon county, N. G. Keached by the Atlanta and 
Chaiiatte Air-Line Railway. 



18 BLUE EIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

Florida is, on the whole, in consequence of combined heat and humidity, 
and intense malarial influence, the most trying of the Gulf or Atlantic 
•climates, though the heat is somewhat modified by fhe oceanic inflow on 
the east€oast But the chilling influence of the humidity in winter is felt 
more on that coast than in the interior or on the Gulf, 

Malarial diseases and pneumonia are highly fatal disorders in this hot, 
humid State. Florida and other lowland States of the South, generate 
•comparatively little consumption, but the heat and humidity, by inducing 
relaxation, with fever and inflammation, usuailly hasten the fatal termina- 
tion of the disease. 

But it does not follow, because a region generates a small ratio of con- 
sumption, that it is most s.mitary to those in whom the disease has been 
developed. The western shore of Lake Michigan engenders but a small 
[ratio of consumption for its latitude; but its chilling winds, sudden changes, 
and great extremes are very trying to the consumptive, and unfavorable to 
his recovery. 

I have seen a letter from the venerable Dr. Toner, ex-presideut of the 
American Medical Association, in which he acknowledges the mistakes 
which be and other piiysician-s have made in sending 'consumptives to 
Florida. 

As physicians have learned through the mortality of their patients, the 
destructive influence of extreme cald on consumptives, itis to be hoped they 
may conie to realise that great heat and humidity, inducing debility and 
-promoting infiammation, are equally if not more fatal. 

Highlands is th>e best place of resort for consumptives as yet kEO^^ia in 
the United States. But 1-et no one visit Highlands with the expectation oi 
(finding an Eden-«limate. We have no equable climate this side of Califor- 
nia, except in the southeirn half of Florida, and no Eden-climate except 
that of the coast belt of ■CaHfornia. If the dnvalid wishes to die as eom- 
fortably as possible, let him seek 'California. 

But if he is not hopelessly ill, and if 'he wishes to aoG[uire health and 
Tigor, it is doubtful if he can fimd, in the temperate :sone, a climate more 
'beneficial than that of Highlands. While its altitude gives it superioriity 
over all lowlands, its plateau character renders it more desirable than amy 
valleys, howevea- elevated, since these tend more than open areas to tl>e pro- 
duction of consumption and fevers. If the air, though dry, is less so thau 
that of Colorado, it is to be remembee-ed that there is such a condition as 
that of too great dryness, o«e that is capable of proving nighly irritating 
to mucous, nervous and otli^ tissues. No better constitution is devet- 
oped in Europe than'Under the wet-blanket sky in which the Engiishmam 
as perpetually wrapped. Besides, the dust of Colorado and California is, 
itself, an iiritant to the lungs. 

A 3^oung lady that I sent to Highlands, though hopelessly ill with con- 
sumption, experienced extraordinary improvement in eonsequence of her 
residence there. Her fever disappeared, her pulse tell from 120 to 80, her 
iSesh, strength and color came back, and for six moKths after her return 
home she seemed entirely well. 

The special advantages"" of Highlands are, that it is at the southern edge of 
the Ridge, that it has an altitude of 4,G§0 feet, and that it is free from fogs. 
But though kee from fogs, it is oecasonally enveloped in raists from above^ 
its altitude being sufficient to bring it inco the clouds when they hang low, 
a phenomenon that I have sometimes witnessed at Mt. Airy,'the highest 
point on the Air- Line Eoad, though much lower than Highlands. But 
whatever may be the cause, these cloud-mists do not affect one as unfavora- 
ibly as do genuine fogs, formed by condensation of moistuo-e, at an4 near the 
surface. 

I can oaaly conjecture, by way of explanation, a pecuMar condition of the 
water held in suspension in the atmosphere. 

So far from Highlands having an atmosphere more dry than that of the 
aieighboring Piedmont country it is probably less so. The more ready and 
■iiuxuriant growth of grass in the former region, with the greater quantity 
-of moss on the trees, indicates more humidity tlian in th.e latter. 



WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. 19 

But there is reason to think that it exists in the degree most favorable to 
the average constitution; and it is certain that it has not acted iinfav.'rably 
on the consumptives who have been under its influence. The evidence of 
the liighly restorative character of the climate remains unimpaii^ed. It 
presents the great advantage of sufficient altitude, exceeding that of any 
other habitable region this side of the Rocky Mountains, it affords summer 
coolness not to be found at Colorado Springs, or on the Cumberland pla- 
teau ; it pronuses wliatever benefits may result from increase of ozone and 
from great electrical tension; it promotes the vigor of both nervous and di- 
gestive apparatus; is eminently sanitary in regard to both hepatic and pul- 
monarv diseases. H. P. Gatchell, M.D. 

Professoii Guyot, the eminent geographer and scientist, made several 
summer journeys through this region, and prepared a minute report for 
the War Department in"l862, in which he says: 

" The climate of this elevated region is truly delightful. In summer, the 
temperature scarcely ever rises above 80 degrees, the nights are generally 
cool, and the mildness of that health}'-, bracing air is botli invigorating and 
exceedingly pleas uit. The seasons are well marked, and otherwise similar 
to those of" the regions much further north, but of a milder type. Even in 
midwinter, snow remains but a short time on the ground, and the summits 
of the high mountain peaks are never covered throughout the winter with 
a cap of snow." 

Speaking of midsummer showers, he says : 

" While the nights and early part of the day are cloudless and beautiful, 
about noon thick clouds may suddenly mount up to the zenith, or gather 
about the highest peaks, and copious rain fall for an hour or two, the sky 
then becoming clear and cloudless again. Both showers and cloud mists 
on the mountains contribute to render it the best grass region in the South, 
and one of the best in the whole country." 

Professor RicnARD Owen, M. D., late State geologist of Indiana, 
made a geological examination of Macon, Jackson and adjoining coun- 
ties, in this part of North Carolina, in 1867, from which we take brief 
extracts : 

" Before visiting North Carolina, I had the general impression that the 
lands were unproductive, or, at least, that fertility was the exception, and 
was confined to the valleys. But I found this was an entirely erroneous 
impression. Many of the hill-sides are under cultivation, and produce ex- 
cellent crops. 

The grazing is, however, the most attractive feature in this farming dis- 
trict, partly because it is sometimes not so easy, as in more densely settled 
regions, to get crops of grain to market, but chiefly because mountains, at 
that elevation, arrest passing clouds and condense them into rain ; conse- 
quently, showers are ot such frequent occurrence as to keep the grass from 
scorching or drying up. I saw cattle, mules, sheep, and some horses, graz- 
ing on these mountain pastures, and appearing in remarkably good condi- 
tion. The extent and quality o( the orchards, in the regions visited, also 
surprised me. 

As regan's the agricultural facilities, I think it would be diflficult to find 
a region which combines inore advantages than are to be realized in the 
Blue Ridge tracts, with its fertile lands, suitable for small grain, grass, and 
roots ; its pure water, extensive grazing range, proximity to market, and 
fine scenery. But above all, the paramount consideration of a remarkably 
healthful and agreeable climate, uniting the advantage of short winters, 
such as exist in latitude 35 degrees north, with the temperate summers 
found at an altitude of four thousand feet above the ocean. 

From some cause or other, bees seem to thrive remarkably well, and to be 
great favorites in this part of North Carolina. We saw at one farm about 
seventy-five stands, aiid heard of one farmer who owned over a hundred 
bee-hives, or bee gums, as the hive is usually part of a hollow tree. 



20 BLUE EIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

From Whiteside Monntain, (4i miles northeast of Highlands village. — 
Eds.) the town of Walhalla can be distinctly seen, in a clear day ; indeed, 
there is a prospect all around, to at least double that distance, or about 
sixty miles, where other ranges of mountains show themselves. The whole 
view is as fine as any I ever recollect seeing, except, perhaps, in Switzerland; 
even finer, I think, than from the Catskill Mountains, or fyora the Rocky- 
Mountains in New Mexico, or from the Sierra Madre, near Monterey, in 
Mexico. 

One of the greatest advantages to be secured, in any region, is health. 
Judging from what I saw, heard and experienced, I should consider this 
portion of North Carolina pre-eminently favored in this point of view. The 
chief diseases which prevail, and they are rare, are usually the result of 
undue exposure in winter, or of neglect in securing suitable diet. The 
average longevity of the citizens of this State has fiequently been noticed as 
being remarkably high; and my own observation confirmed the statements 
I had seen and heard. There are no miasmatic diseases; chills and fever 
are unknown, physicians have but little to do, and drugs are scarce. Du- 
ring over six weeks of constant riding, I was frequently overtaken by rain, 
and had seldom an opportunity of getting my clothing thoroughly dry ; 
yet I never caught cold, or experienced anj disadvantage to health ; hence, 
i feel bound to believe that the climate is healthy. Most persons, (judging 
from the latitude, which is about 35 degrees north,) would expect to find 
this part of the United States uncomfortably warm, and foreigners from 
cool regions might hence be deterred from selecting this State; but, from 
my experience, I should say, they need have no apprehensions, for during 
the months of July and' August, 1867, most of which I spent in the 
mountains of western North Carolina, I never suffered from heat at all, 
unless I was exposed to the sun, sleeping always under a blanket; and, 
even when in the sun, seldom experiencing discomfort, because there was 
usually a fine mountain breeze. In enumerating the characteristics of this 
region, as indicating the requisites for a healthful, agreeable residence, it 
may not be amiss to call attention to the fact that I never felt a mosquito 
bite all the time I was out, and observed the residents never use or require 
masquito bars." 

From The American Agriculturist : 

" Under present circumstances, there seems to be not the slightest objection 
for a Northern man to go anywhere in the Southern States, If he de- 
sires to procure a farm there, there are now very favorable opportunities, 
and any inducement to molest a Northern man, which may have existed in 
some localities, from just or unjust causes, no longer remains. There is one 
locality, at least, where a thrifty colony is in course of formation. This is 
at Highlands, Macon county, N. C, where Mr. S. T. Kelsey, formerly of 
Kansas, and some friends, have settled. * * * From our own knowledge 
of that locality^, which is in the mountains of the Blue Ridge, the climate 
is'healthy, the water excellent, the soil rich, the temperature cool, but mar- 
kets are distant, money is scarce, and the lands consequently cheap. But 
then, cheap lands are cheap because there are some inconveniences attached 
to them. You cannot have cheap land that is good, and all the advantages 
of a thickly settled country, together. Yet, by going to the Southern States 
in colonies, the inconveniences which are at first felt will be soon overcome." 

[Our nearest railroad town is "Walhalla, S. C., 30 miles south of 
Highlands, vt^here we simply compete with products brought from the 
North or West. This sort of competition guarantees us reliable mar- 
kets.— ^tZs.] 

From Keowee (S. C.) Courier: 

" The fact is, the .mountain districts and low countries of the South must 
both be developed, with their diverse Dr(;dnctions and resources, to make 
either prosperous. When Walhalla pays for potatoes, apples, meat or dairy 
products grown in the North or West, the money is gone, but when it pays 
for a better article,grown in the South, and but a few miles away, the money 
is kept in the country, and will pretty surely be paid back to Walhalla. 



WESTERN NORT CAROLINA* 21 

From The Congregationalist, Boston, Mass. : 

" The f olloAvino- is from a correspondent who has been on the ground, 
and writes from actual observation. Some of the best physicians pre- 
dict that the region will ultimately become a famous resort for con- 
sumptives : ^ ,. . .1 1 • u i. 

In the southeast corner of Macon county, North Carolina is the highest 
habitable land east of the Rocky Mountain region It consists ot a plateau 
con a n ng from 250 to 300 square miles, at an altitude of 4,000 teet above 
S le-w ter Numerous streams of clear, soft water, broken by cascades, and 
filled with brook trout, form on these mountains, and hnd their way over 

^^ThSural scenery is beautiful and grand. At a distance of thirty or 
fortv miles to the nortnwest, die Smoky Range, which ^""f th« bounda^^^ 
between North Carolina and Tennessee may be ^^^'I'^'^u^tt?^^^^^^^ 
a clear day. To the southeast, the northwestern part of feouth Caroima is 
spread out to the view, as far as the eye can reach 

The re-ion is not surpassed in the world for salubrity. The a r is light 
and bradn- and the temperature is remarkably even, se dom rising above 
lo degrees I'n the warmest days of summer. The elevated climate has long 
been fecogni"ed and sought by those who live in the vicinity, as peculiarly 

^t t^y nJSI'hi !Sint/?5have a^ located here; some for purpos^^ 

hetltirand quite frequently, of late, ^''T'^'^VZu Z'^im'S^^^^^^ 
hither and these have invariably been benehted. When the country be- 
comes better known, and its inducements to health and pleasure seekers 
arbetterapfu^^^^^^^^ there can be no doubt that there will be a large in- 
flux of visitors from all sections of the country. , • i i ^„/i„ 
The name Highlands has been given to a projected town which already 
has its two country stores, school, saw and grist mills, and regular mails. 
£and s cheap, and immigration is welcomed The country i^ rich in min- 
eral productions, needini only Northern enterprise and capital to make 
this mineral wealth available." 

From The New York Tribune : 

"Now in the high table-lands of the Blue Ridge, the Nantahala and Black 
MountI ns of Virginia and North Carolina, good farm land can be bought 
for 25 cents to $3.00 per acre. In many of these places there are set lemen s 
of hard working men, who are building up little towns. Notab y s this 
the case at Highlands, Macon county, N. C, where there is a colony of 
Northern men fruit-growers and farmers. There is no danger m these 
S^ces if ague ' The land is lifted up into a region clear of consumption and 
fnafaria, and all other plagues-even grasshoppers, potato bugs, and mos- 
quitoes are unknown." ^t .i m 

Again, speaking of the Blue Ridge counties of Western North Caro- 
lina, the Tribune says : , ^, , i^ 

" The soil, except upon the tops of the mountains, is arich black mould, 
owing to the decomposition of epidotic rocks and vegetable ^^^tt^ej- Corn 
wheat oats, Irish potatoes, and the vegetables which be ong to the soil and 
d mate of Pennsvlvania, all grow well on this high table-land, l^ruits 
SSally apples,' cherries, and plums, yield large crops. Grapes and 
Caches do not bear well on the highest farms ; but, on the southern sfopes 
?Lid exceptional crops. Grasses of all kinds grow rank, and soon b«Jonie 
spontaneous in the rich soil. The winters are so mild owing to the lati- 
tude, that cattle may be left in pasture through the whole year. 

From The New York Times: ^ 

Question -" If you had a son who wanted to make farming his business 

Carolina, or to Virginia, to engage in geheral farming, and make his tuture 
home? 



22 . BLUE EIDGE HIGHLANDS OF 

Reply. — Of the localities mentioned, we should certainly prefer tbe Higb- 
lands of North Carolina. Some trustworthy information can be gained of 
this locality by applying to C. C. Hutchinson, or S. T. Kelsey, of High- 
lands, Macon county, N. C, who have recently established a thrifty col- 
ony of Northern people there. Under the changed condition of things 
in the South, some portions of it are offering favorable fields for enter- 
prise for Northern men." 

WHY HAVE NOT THE BLUE RIDGE BIGHI>ANDS BEEN SETTLED BEFORE? 

A question often asked by our correspondents. The reason why is 
easily explained. The people of the South have, heretofore, devoted 
themselves, almost exclusively, to producing the great southern staples, 
cotton, rice, sugar, and tobacco. Land has been plenty, and that best 
suited to the growth of the above named staples was, of course, taken 
first. And not only the Blue Ridge Highlands, but millions of acres 
more of the best land in the South for stock, fruit, grain and vegeta- 
bles, with a climate that has no superior, are to-day unoccupied, The 
best of these lands lie along the Blue Ridge, in western I»forth Caro- 
lina, and the northern portion of South Carolina and Georgia. And 
■while there is probably no other section with so much good land for 
sale, lying contiguous, and so many advantages combined for a first- 
class settlement, yet much of what we have said of this particular sec- 
tion will apply to a large portion of the country within the above 
named range. 

MACON COUNTY 

is one of the best, and will be one of the wealthiest, counties in west- 
ern North Carolina. It has a commanding position, just north of the 
Rabun Gap, through which the Blue Ridge Railroad must oe built. It 
is diversified with beautiful valleys, high table-lands and lofty moun- 
tain peaks. It is everywhere amply supplied with bold springs and 
streams of pure soft water, and abundant water-powers; is well sup- 
plied with timber of the most valuable kinds, for building or manufac- 
turing purposes, has great deposits of mineral wealth, a fertile soil, and 
a most delightful and healthful climate, suited to the growth of nearly 
all Northern and Southern productions. 

Owing to its secluded position, and distance from railroad communi- 
cation, its growth has been slow, and it is but sparsely .-.ittled, having 
a population of about 7,0U0. But the building of the great Piedmont 
Air-Line Railroad has given new life to the county, and we believe, at 
no distant day, it will be one of the best improved counties in the State, 
with a population of 50,000, or 75,000, which it is abundantly able to 
sustain. 

We have good society. Our county finances are well managed, we 
have no bonded indebtedness, and taxation for all purposes, is for 
1878, 96 cts. on the $100.00, which is deemed sufficient to pay the State 
tax, and all the expenses of the county, 

^ Franklin, our county seat, is beautifully located on a high, undulating 
site near the Tennessee river, and surrounded by a good farming sec- 
tion. It is destined to become an important commercial towai, and dis- 
tributing point for a considerable portion of western North Carolina. 

Jackson county, on the east, and Rabun county, Georgia, and Oconee 
county. South Carolina, on the south, all have advantages of soil, cli- 
mate, mineral wealth and position to make them wealthy and populous 
counties, as the railroads and other enterprises now in progress, shall 
develop their resources and advantages. 



IS IT SAFE TO COME SOUTH ? 

Or, Will we be well treated there? To these questions, so- oftea asked, 
we answer, yes— most emphatically yes— it is as s-afe, and you will be 
as well received, as kindly treated, and as free from political excite- 
ment, as anywhere in the world;, and also free from strikes and tramps. 

WHO SHOULD COME. 

All invalids who are not past recoveiy, and who Imve means to sup- 
port them here, should come. People who do not class themselves as 
invalids, and yet feel their vital powers giving way, and are wearing 
themselves out attempting to a»iass wealth, or to keep up the style of 
living, into which they have insensibly drifted, should break away and 
come here where there is- enough to do, and yet a freedom, an all per- 
vading restfulness, which amply compensates sensible people for such 
deprivations as are inseparable from life, in a newly forming commu- 
nity Nobody should come here without money, but if any hard- 
working, economical family can arrive with their household goods and 
$500.00 in money, they may safely come. If you have means you can 
engage in light, but profitable labor, in the stock business, orcharding, 
etc., and there is a demand for capital in business, but do not come ex- 
pecting to drop into some easy place where the pay is good. Weakly 
people become strong here, but if you are unwilling to work, you 
should not come, nnless you have money to pay your way. 

In various portions of this pamphlet, we show what kinds of busi- 
ness may be profitably followed here, and the intelligent reader can 
decide for himself whether he should come or not. 
_ After what has been said about the attractions here offered to tou- 
rists, pleasure seekers, sportsmen, and sigiit-seers generally, it will be 
seen that all such must visit Highlands. 

WHAT TO BRING, 

Emigrants usually sell or give away more of their goods than they 
ought. Until we manufacture furniture here, it is safe to estimate that 
furniture Will cost as much here as elsewhere east of the Mississippi 
liver, and, unless it will sell for near its value, it is best to bring such 
articles as you will need here, that are not too heavy and bulky You 
can safely bring all wearing apparel, table furnishing, bedding, carpet- 
ing, bureaus, wash-.stands, musical instruments, sewing machines o-ood 
cooking or heating stoves, if for burning wood, and not too helvy 
Bring all good, light farm tools, such as hoes, forks, shovels, spades, 
all mechanical tools, etc., well bundled or boxed. Do not brino- cheap 
chairs, bedsteads, or other cheap articles that are bulky, or anythino- 
that will cost nearly its value to bring, or will not be needed here. Do 
not bring any live stock, unless of a superior quality. If you have 
near a car-load, better charter a car to Seneca City, and you could then 
bring many articles that would not pay to bring if freighted by the 
hundred pounds. Bureaus, wash-stands, and the like, may be filled 
with other goods, covered with old carpet, or other cheap cloth, and 
will not co»t much more for transportation than packing-boxes. 

HOW TO COME. 

From the west, northwest, or southwest, come ve« Atlanta. Ga., there 
taking the Piedmont Air-Line Railroad to Seneca, S. C. From the east 
and northeast, come to Richmond, Va., thence, via P. A. L., to Seneca 
At Seneca, call at A. W. Thompson's livery stable, and get passage to 
Highlands for $4.00, for each passenger. From the direction of Chfirles- 
ton or Savannah, come by rail to Seneca, or Walhalla. At Walhalla, call 



u 



WESTERN NOBTH CAROLINA. 



at Thompson & Pendley's livery stables, and get passage to Highlands 
for $4.00. Thompson & Pendley will also return settlers and tourists 
to Walhalla or Seneca at any time for the same price, $4.00 each ; and 
during the summer season, they will sell excursion tickets for the 
round trip, from Seneca or Walhalla, for $5.00 each, good till 1st of 
November. Seventy-five pounds of baggage allowed with each pas- 
senger. Persons from the East and Northeast wishing to locate here 
will get reduced rates to Seneca, at the Penna. Railroad offices in New 
York, or at No. 9' Astor House, New York. 

Mails.— We now have a tri- weekly mail from Walhalla and the Air-Line R. R,, Via 
Highlands to Franklin, ^tmt expect it-will seoa i*» increased to a daily. 

For further particulars address, Kelset & Hutchinson, 

Highlands, Macon Co., N. C. 




W 



Devil's Court House, Whiteside Mountain, five miles northeast of 
Highlands, Macon county, N. C. Reached by the Atlanta and 
Charlotte Air-Line Railway. 



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